Porto holidays

Compare the best Porto holidays

Explore northern Portugal with holidays in Porto. This industrial river city is crammed with striking architecture and buzzing with a rich culture – it's the perfect city break destination or jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding region.

Why go?

TravelSupermarket compares prices on a fantastic range of holidays to Porto for departures throughout the year...

Oporto, also known by its Portuguese name of Porto, is located a little way inland from the northern coastline of Portugal, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the land.

You'll be welcomed on your Porto holidays at Oporto Airport (OPO). The city has plenty of accommodation to choose from, with high-end hotels and good-value apartments as well as budget hotels. Hiring a car is a great idea in Porto, as it will open up the surrounding areas such as the verdant Douro Valley. You'll get a very different flavour of Portugal if you're used to holidays in the Algarve.

Porto is famed for its production of port wine and the red stuff can be enjoyed just over the Douro River, where it's bottled in Vila Nova de Gaia. Famous port brands such as Cockburn's, Graham's and Sandeman are based here and you can spend hours touring the cellars (and sampling the product, of course).

Porto drips with history and evidence of its past is there for you to see, going right back to the city's Roman roots. The city's lively history in trading can be seen in the mansions and buildings that appeared thanks to healthy trade profits. And Porto's historic centre has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Oporto Cathedral looms over the historic centre.

A wonderful piece of modern architecture in historic Porto is the Casa de Musica, the striking concert hall where orchestras please crowds with soothing notes.

There is something for everyone in Porto. Couples, groups and families will find plenty to do during holidays in this interesting and often over-looked city. TravelSupermarket can get you there; use our search tool today to find a break to Porto.

When to go?

Porto holiday packages are available year round, though most visitors arrive in spring, summer and autumn...

Porto can be enjoyed any time of the year. Summer temperatures peak at 26C in July and August, while winters can be cool and wet at around 14C with rainfall every couple of days.

Cheap holidays in Porto can be found via TravelSupermarket for departures throughout the year, though you are likely to save on travel during winter, spring and autumn.

What's on?

This lively city has an equally rollicking calendar of annual events. Rock up to any of these and have an unforgettable time in Porto...

Saint John's Festival; June: The Festa de Sao Joao is party time for Porto. This is the city's most important festival and thousands gather in the streets to celebrate Saint John with concerts, dancing, eating, drinking, an illuminated balloon release and a spectacular display of fireworks. It's one not to miss.

Porto a Subir; June: This means Porto Ascending, and when you see runners climbing up the steep steps of the city you'll see why. If you're sporty, you can apply to take part in this spectacle.

International Folk Festival; July: Thousands of feet tap along to the sounds that emanate from venues taking part in this much-loved annual event. Folk music and traditional fado music are popular in Portugal and you shouldn't miss a chance to join in and see what all the fuss is about.

What to do?

Take a trip to Porto and get a taste for the real Portugal. You’ll never be bored in this charming city...

Grown-up families: Part of the historic centre is the waterfront section known as Ribeira, where you'll find lots of bars and restaurants and where you can tuck into some tasty local cuisine and sample more of that famous port.

Relaxing: The beautiful Douro River cuts through the city and the bridges that span the water provide photographic opportunities galore. Get out on the water on a boat trip to see an alternative view of the city.

Shopping: The old part of town can be a little shabby in places, but a plethora of quaint old shops make up for it and give the area a bohemian edge. There are plenty of modern brands lining up to compete for your holiday cash too.